8 youths face burglary, theft, vandalism charges at Hammock Bay

By TOM McLAUGHLIN / Daily News

Published: Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 04:52 PM.

FREEPORT — Walton County sheriff’s investigators used Facebook messages posted by a group of youths to help finger them as suspects to burglary and vandalism at the Hammock Bay Sports Complex in January and February.

Four of the youths, ranging from 12 to 14 years old, have been charged with burglary, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Two others, 12 and 14, were charged with three counts each of burglary, petit theft and criminal mischief, a Sheriff’s Office news release said.

A 14-year-old and 16- year-old, Joseph Simpson of Freeport, were charged with three counts of felony criminal mischief, according to the release.

All of the youths lived in the Freeport or Red Bay communities.

Authorities still are looking for the only adult that apparently took part in the crimes. Justin E McGlaun, 22, of Rossville, Ga., is wanted for one count each of burglary, petit theft and criminal mischief, the news release said.

Deputies worked with school resource officers to develop leads in the investigation, according to the release.

“Witness statements, along with Facebook messages posted by the suspects,” helped investigators, the release said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who knows of McGlaun’s whereabouts to contact Investigator Don White at 892-8186.

FREEPORT — Walton County sheriff’s investigators used Facebook messages posted by a group of youths to help finger them as suspects to burglary and vandalism at the Hammock Bay Sports Complex in January and February.

Four of the youths, ranging from 12 to 14 years old, have been charged with burglary, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Two others, 12 and 14, were charged with three counts each of burglary, petit theft and criminal mischief, a Sheriff’s Office news release said.

A 14-year-old and 16- year-old, Joseph Simpson of Freeport, were charged with three counts of felony criminal mischief, according to the release.

All of the youths lived in the Freeport or Red Bay communities.

Authorities still are looking for the only adult that apparently took part in the crimes. Justin E McGlaun, 22, of Rossville, Ga., is wanted for one count each of burglary, petit theft and criminal mischief, the news release said.

Deputies worked with school resource officers to develop leads in the investigation, according to the release.

“Witness statements, along with Facebook messages posted by the suspects,” helped investigators, the release said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who knows of McGlaun’s whereabouts to contact Investigator Don White at 892-8186.